Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini has been speaking ahead of his side’s Conference League final tie against Chelsea.
Betis take on Chelsea this Wednesday in a fixture that will see Pellegrini and Enzo Maresca cross paths.
The two already know each other, with Pellegrini coaching Maresca at Malaga before the Italian became his assistant manager at West Ham United.
Pellegrini has spoken very highly of Maresca but may already have him and Chelsea worked out ahead of Wednesday’s final.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Manuel Pellegrini expects Chelsea to come out and play
Chelsea’s match against Betis will be tight, according to former Blue Joe Cole, but Pellegrini thinks it will be an exciting affair.
The ex-West Ham and Manchester City manager believes Chelsea will try and take the game to his side from the very first minute.
Speaking to UEFA’s official website, Pellegrini said: “Chelsea, knowing Enzo, is a team that comes out to play from the first minute.
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“It’s going to be a very entertaining match from both sides, with all the caution that must be exercised [by both] given the evenly matched teams that both clubs have, but Chelsea will be trying to win the game.”
Chelsea’s main objective heading into the season was to qualify for the Champions League, which they have now done following their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Chelsea are now delighted with Maresca, who can bring even more happiness to his bosses with a win in Poland on Wednesday.
After the Conference League final, the Blues will have another shot at winning silverware. They travel to the US next month to compete at the new Club World Cup.
Photo by Flor Tan Jun/Getty Images
Photo by Flor Tan Jun/Getty Images
Manuel Pellegrini on Real Betis’ two danger men
The two Betis players Chelsea are going to have to be really wary of are Antony and Isco.
Antony has been a revelation at Betis since joining the Spanish club from Manchester United in January. He has been devastating in the Conference League, scoring four goals and providing three assists in just eight games.
Antony’s stats at Real Betis Appearances Goals Assists
La Liga 17 5 2
Conference League 8 4 3
Total 25 9 5
On Isco and Antony, Pellegrini said: “[Isco’s] a role model for young players because of everything he’s achieved and all of his trophies. He’s an example in how he trains every day and the demands he puts on himself, both with and without the ball. He’s self-critical and doesn’t blame anyone else, only himself. That’s how I’ve approached things myself throughout my life.
“Antony has undoubtedly brought us a lot — he’s showing it with all the assists and the quality he’s added, as well as the progress the team has made since he arrived in January. Considering the player he is, it makes sense why such a large sum was paid to take him from Ajax to Manchester United. He’s given us a lot — not just on the pitch, but also in terms of the joy and energy he brings off it. That spirit is contagious within the squad.”
Chelsea are not without their own danger men. Maresca has the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto to call upon.
If they all perform and the team’s defence can limit the impact of Isco and Antony, Chelsea should win the game.